Why Cholesterol Could Also Indicate Tendon Health

(HealthDay News) — Lipid profiles seem to be associated with tendon health, according to a review published online October 15 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Benjamin J. Tilley, from Monash University in Australia, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether lipid levels are associated with abnormal tendon structure or the presence of tendon pain. A total of 17 studies, with 2,612 participants, were included in the review.

The researchers found that significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were seen among those with altered tendon structure or tendon pain (mean difference values of 0.66, 1, and 0.33mmol/L, respectively). In addition, they had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean difference value of −0.19mmol/L).

"The results of this review indicate that a relationship exists between an individual's lipid profile and tendon health," the authors write. "However, further longitudinal studies are required to determine whether a cause and effect relationship exists between tendon structure and lipid levels."